District of colum



March 8,1927. 1,620,535-

C. H. GAGE CAR COUPLER Filed June 18, 1926 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Qwwmtoa CHARLES H: GAGE a? WW March 8, 1927.

' c. H. GAGE CAR COUPLER Filed June 18, 1926 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 l l s Qwumtom CHARLES H. GAGE,

0. H. GAGE CAR COUPLER March 8,1927.

Filed June 18, :1926 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 QHARLES H. GAGE,

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March 8, 1927.

C. H. GAGE CAR COUPLER Filed June 1a, 1926 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 rv .m m M 3E G A G H 5 E L R A H C Patented Mar. Iii, 1927.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CHARLES H. GAGE, OF "WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLU'IVIBIA, ASSIGNOR TO LINN W.

SEARLES AND WILLIAM B. BITTER, BOTH OF "WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUM- BIA, AND WILLIAM I). Fill-39H, OF CHESTER, PENNSYLVANIA, TRUSTEES.

CAR COUPLER.

Application filed June 18, 1926.

My invention relates to improvements in automatic couplers for railway cars.

In accordance with my invention, 1 provide coupling means, embodying a pair of 5 companion couplers, which when brought together become automatically securely locked. The locking engagement is such that should the draw-bar of one coupler member be withdrawn from its car, the corresponding coupler member will remain attached to the other coupler member, and the draw-bar and coupler member will not fall upon the track. The coupler members are so constructed and connected with their draw-bars, that they are permanently capable of partaking of unrestricted horizontal and vertical movements, within desired limits, with the result that the coupler members will freely couple upon curves and when the coupler members approach each other at different elevations. Each coupler member is so constructed that the number of moving parts are reduced to the minimum. The coupler members are so constructed that they are adapted for use in connection with standard couplers or present railway equipment. The coupler members are so constructed that the maximum strength is obtained in engagen'ient between the pin of one coupler member and the knuckle of the companion coupler member and the knuckle is locked to the pin against lateral displacement. The coupler men'ibers are so constructed that they comply with all requirements of the Interstate Commerce Commission as at present in force.

The invention further provides means for detachably locking the pins of the coupler members together so that they will have a 40 proper connection when the coupler members are. brought into locking engageu'ient, whereby the upward movement of one pin will elevate the other pin.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent during the course of the following description.

in the accompanying drawings. forn'iing a part of this specification. and in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same,

Serial No. 116,900.

Figure 1 is a perspective View of a pair of companion couplers shown in the locked or coupled relation,

Figure 2 is a similar view of one coupler,

F gure 3 is a plan View of the same,

F1gure 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of one coupler and pin of the com panlon coupler, illustrating the relation between this pin and the knuckle of the other coupler,

Figure 5 is a central vertical longitudinal section through the companion couplers showing the same locked, taken on line- 55 of Figure 3,

Figure 6 is a horizontal section taken on l1ne 66 of Figure 5,

Figure 7 is a side elevation, parts in section, showing a pair of couplers at different elevations, indicating the coupling operation,

Figure 8 is a plan view of the same, illustrating the horizontal angular adjustments of the couplers, and

Figure 9 is a plan view, indicating the manner in which the coupler co-acts with the 7 ordinary standard coupler.

in the drawings, wherein for the purpose of illustration, is shown a preferred embodiment of my invention, the numeral 15 designates heads of companion couplers. These so heads are hollow and flare or increase in horizontal dimensions toward their outer ends. This provides an outer marginal contact flange or face 16, of a relatively large area. This marginal flange or face is prefs5 erably rectangular and preferably has a greater horizontal dimension than vertical dimension. The coupler head tapers rearwardly and is provided at its rear end with a rectangular flange or face 17, the upper horizontal portion 18 of which has a sub stantial vertical dimension, to provide a large contact area for engagement with the transverse end sill or bufier of the car for properly transmitting shocks or strains. The rear reduced end of the coupler head is open, and receives the outer end of a drawbar 19, which extends beneath the car, and is secured to a draft gear and rigging of the car by any well known or preferred means.

The draw-bar preferably increases in hori zontal dimension forwardly forming an enlarged end or head 20, which is horizontally curved, to provide a horizontally convex face 21, and this face is also vertically curved to provide a vertically convex face. Cast integral with the rear reduced portion of the coupler head is a transverse web or wall 22,. the rear face of which is horizontally curved, to provide. a horizontal concave surface, and this web is also vertically curved to provide a vertical convex surface. The function of the web 22 is to prevent the draw-bar from driving through and shearing off the pin, to be described. The curved face 21 of? the draw-bar is, therefore, adapted to turnhorizontally and vertically, within limits, upon the face of the web 22, when contacting therewith. The draw-bar is provided in its head with a preferably elongated opening or slot 28, having its greatest dimension extending longitudinally of the direction of the draw-bar and draft. The elongated opening 23 adapted for the re ception of a vertical pivot pin 24 passing therethro'ugh and through openings 25, in the top and bottom of the rear portion of the coupler head. As clearly shown in Figure 6, there is a space or clearance, indicated at 26, upon the opposite sides of the head of the draw-bar andthere is a space or clearance 27, Figure 5', beneath the head of the draw-bar. These spaces are provided to permit ofpermanent free unrestricted swinging movements of the coupler head, within limits upon its draw-bar, horizontally in opposite directions, and vertically in opposite directions. The marginal edge or flange 17, of' the coupler head positively limits these movements of the coupler head with respect to the draw-bar. It has been found that satisfactory results are obtainable. by having the coupler head capable of swinging horizontally through a distance of about 30 with respect to the draw-bar and vertically through a distance of about 11. Of course, the invention is in no sense restri-cted to this precise extent of movement but the same has been found to operate satisfactorily with roads in which curves do not exceed 21. Of course, the extent of movement of the coupler headi may be increased or decreased as may be found necessary, depending upon the curves on the particular roads. These limited free unrestricted movements of the coupler heads, upon-their draw bars, are very important, as they permit of the coupler heads automatically adjusting themselves, when brought into contact during the act of coupling, both in horizontal and vertical directions, whereby complete automatic coupling, is assured when the coupler, heads are at different horizontal angles or also when they are at different elevations or both.

Each coupler head is provided upon its forward large end, adjacent to the marginal flange 16 with a heavy vertical web 28, integral therewith, and a recess 29, opposite this web. Formed integral with the web 28 is a rigid stationary knuckle 29, the forward edge 30 of which is horizontally curved, as shown. This knuckle has its top and bottom beveled, as shown at 31 and 32. The knuckle 29 has its inner face hooked, which is pro duced by the provision of a horizontally curved. recess 33. The curvature of this face corresponds to the curvature of the inner or rear face of the standard coupler, and is provided in order that the present coupler may be used interchangeably with the standard coupler.

Each coupler head is provided in its top with a vertical opening 35, to receive a vertical gravity operated pin 36. This pin is provided at its top with a laterally widened portion, indicated at 37, and this widened portion carries a rear enlargement or rib 38, the face of which is horizontally curved at 89, providing a convex face, corresponding in curvature to the concave face 83. This rib is at the extreme opposite edge of the widened portion 37 with respect to the pin 38. The function of this enlargement or. rib 38 is to strengthenthe widened portion 37 of the pin, at the point of engagement with the knuckle, and to also afford interlocking engagement with the knuckle 29 of the companion coupler where by the pinand knuckle are positively locked together against lateral displacement, and the side wall of the coupler head is not entirely relied upon to prevent this lateral displacement. engagement between the knuckle and the coupler pin is obtained. The widened portion 37 of the pin has its forward face beveled horizontally, as shown at eiO, and this beveled face is adapted to engage with the upper bevel 31 of the knuckle of the companion coupler. These beveled faces serve to automatically elevate the pin during the coupling action, subsequently to which the pin drops behind the knuckle, and the rib or enlargement 38 is received within the recess of the hooked knuckle. Particular attention is called to the fact that the knuckle 29' is solid throughout and is not provided between its ends with an opening or recess and that the raising of' the pin is due entirely to the action of the beveled. portion 31 at the top of the knuckle, engaging with the beveled portion 40. It is desired thatthe pin 36 be elevated only a selected distance, and to accomplish this the web 28, Figure 2, is provided with a slight recess ll, providing an upper horizontal shoulder 42, to engage with a lug d3, which may be welded or otherwise rigidly attached to the lower portion of the pin 10. Any

Hence the maximum locking ill other suitable means may be employed to limit the upward movement of the pin. Particular attention is called to the fact that the pin does not extend entirely through the coupler head, with the result that a saving of material is eifected. This leaves the bottom 44 of the coupler head unobstructed so that drain openings 45 may be arranged over its entire area. This is important, as it is highly desirable that all water may readily be drained from the coupler head thereby avoiding the possibility of freezing.

Each pin is provided at its top with a head 46, which has a substantial vertical dimension, and this head is provided with a vertical elongated slot or opening 47, to receive the free end of a crank 48, carried by a rock shaft 49, turned at its outer end by the usual lifting lever. The crank 48 extends directly into the vertical elongated slot and its end is free from nuts or other attaching means. This crank has a sliding engagement within the vertical slot 4. and is capable of raising the pin when turned upwardly suiiiciently. The length of the slot 47 provides su'liicient VQlllCdl play between the crank 48 and the head of the pin so that the pin will not be raised due to the relative movements between the pin and crank, during the travel of the train upon a track having inequalities, and due to the high and low draw-bar etlect of empty and loaded cars. This is a very important feature, since should one draw-bar pull out, the head 46 will free itself from the crank 48, and there will be no liability of the pin being raised to uncouple the coupler heads.

In order that the pins may be locked together against relative vertical move ment when the couplers are locked. to gether, each pin is provided with an outwardly projecting horizontal lip 50, having an upper beveled face 51, and a horizontal flange 52, providing a recess or socket therebeneath, in the same elevation with the lip 51. hen the couplers are brought together, the lip 50 of one pin will enter the socket 53 beneath the lan e 52 of the companion pin, whereby when one pin is elevated in the act of uncoupling, both pins are elevated. These co-acting horizontal lips and flanges have a large horizontal engaging area, affording suflicient lifting strength, and in aldition rendering their intertitting operation positive. The forward lip 51 and flange 52, and rear flange 52 constitute a shield, covering the opening 35 which receives the pin, thereby prevent ing solids entering the coupling head through the openlng In the operation, when the companion couplers are approaching each other in the act of coupling, both pins are in the lowered position. The pin of one coupler has its beveled face 40 engaged by the beveled upper end 31 of the companion coupler and both pins are simultaneously elevated the same distance, so that the tongues 51 and sockets 53 may interfit. When the couplers engage, the pins simultaneously drop to the lowered position and the curved ribs 39 engage behind the hooked knuckles. In uncoupling, the raising of one pin effects the raising of both pins and hence the couplers are released.

A. very important feature of the invention is the ability of the couplers to properly couple when the cars or the like are upon a curve or when the couplers are at different elevations. It is unnecessary that the coupler heads be maintained in longitudinal alineinent with their draw-bars, and either or both coupler heads may be angularly arranged in either direction, upon its drawbar, as illustrated in Figure 8. As the coupler heads approach each other, the marginal edges or flanges 16 engage at corresponding ends, and the coupler heads turn horizontally upon their pivots until these flanges or edges become parallel which occurs prior to the completion of the coupling action. In addition to this, if one coupler head is at an elevation beneath the other coupler head due to the fact that one car may be loaded and the other empty, the lower coupler head, as it approaches the other coupler head will have the lower beveled end 32, of its knuckle brought into 'igagement with the beveled face 16 of the marginal edge or flange 1G. The result of this engagement will be to elevate the lower coupler head, but this movement will not be a single true vertical movement. The first action will be to tilt the lower coupler head upwardly toward its free end, and subsequently it is tilted to the horizontal, thereby effecting the elevation of the coupler head. The subsequent tilting to the horizontal is effected by the upper bevel 31 engaging the beveled face 16". The lower coupler is thus elevated, and during this elevation, a vertical rocking movement of the coupler occurs, and this is important as it eliminates the liability of a coupler head sticking or jamming upon its pin, which may occur, particularly if the pin were sprung in the direction of the draft.

As illustrated in Figure 9, the coupler is adapted for co-acting with the standard coupler designated as a whole by A. This is rendered possible by arranging the stationary knuckle 31 upon the exterior of the end of the coupler head, and further by providing the same with the hooked inner end formed by the curved recess 33, which coacts with the hooked knuckle B of the standard coupler.

It is to be understood that the form of my invention, herewith shown and described, is to be taken as a preferred example of the ill same, and that various changes in the shape, size and arrangement of parts may be re sorted to without departing from the spirit of myinvention, or the scope of the subjoined claims.

Havingthus described my invention, 1 claim:

1. In a car coupler, a support, a coupler head, means for pivotally mounting the coupler head upon the support in a manner to permit of permanent unrestricted hori zontal, swinging movements of said coupler head with relation to said support, said coupler head having means to positively limit such relative horizontal swinging movementsof said coupler head beyond the coupling limits, the outer end of the coupler head being adapted to contact with the outer end' of a coupler head of a companion coupierfor automatic adjustment of the two coupler'heads, a knuckle secured to the outer end of the coupler head, and a gravity operated pin carried by the coupler head and having a beveled portion for engagement with the knuckle of the companion coupler, the last-named knuckle being adapted to engage behind said pin.

2. In a car coupler, a support, a coupler head, means for pivotally mounting the coupler head'upon the support in a manner to permit of permanent unrestricted horizontal'swinging movements of said coupler head within coupling limits with relation to the support and to permit of vertical swinging movements of said coupler head within coupling limits with relation to said support which are permanently unrestricted except for the action of gravity, the horizontal swinging movements being effected independentlyof the vertical swinging movements, said coupler head having means to positively limit such swinging movements beyond'the coupling limits, the outer end of the coupler head being at apted to contact with the outer end of the coupler head of a companion coupler whereby the two coupler heads auton'iatically adjust themselves upon contacting for coupling action, a knuckle secured to the outer end of the coupler head and having its upper and lower ends beveled, the lower beveled end being adapted to engage with the coupler head of the companion coupler to effect the relative vertical swinging movements of the first :.-amed coupler head, and a gravity operated pin carried by the coupler head and having a beveled portion to contact with the upper beveled end ofthe knuckle of the companion coupler, which knuckle is adapted to engage behind said pin.

In a car coupler, a draw-bar having an elongated opening extending longitudinally thereof a coupler head mounted upon the drawbar, a pin carried by the coupler head and extending through the elongated opening so that the coupler head is pivoted to the draw-bar to swing horizontally and ver tically with relation thereto, such-swinging movements being permanently unrestricted within limits, a knuckle secured to the outen cndof the coupler head and provided at its top and bottom with beveled faces to CO114- tact with the'coupler head of the companion coupler, said knuckle having its inner face hooked for'co-action with the knuckle o-f a. standard coupler and with the pin of: a com panion coupler, and a gravity operated? pino ierating within the top of thecoupler head and provided with a beveled face to engage the upper beveled endof the knuokle'of a: companion coupler and also having a reinforcing rib upon its rear side adapted to be received within the hooked face of the knuckle of the companion coupler, whereby the knuckle locked to the pin against lat-- cral displacement.

skin a car coupler, a draw-bar, a coupler brad mounted thereon, apin connectingthe' d aw-bar and coupler head, a knuckle secured to the outer end of: the coupler head and projecting outwardlybeyond the same and having a recess upon its rear side for providing: a hooked face, and a gravity operated pin carried by the coupler head and provided with: a beveled" face to engage the upper beveled end of: the knuckle ofthe companion.coupler, said pin' having a longitudinal reinforcing rib adapted to enter the recess in the-faceof aknuckle of the companion coupler, whereby such knuckle and pin are lockedtogether against lateral separation, the knuckle being also adapted. for use in connection with the standard coupler.

5. In a car coupler, a draw-bar,a coupler head secured thereto, the outer end of the coupler head being, adapted to contact with the outer end of a coupler head of a com panion coupler, a knuckle carried by the outer end of the coupler head and projecting forwardly beyond the same, the rear face of the knuckle having a recess providing a rear hooked face,ua gravity pin slidable within. the top of the coupler head"amlterminating at a point above the bottom of the coupler head, said pin having a beveled face to con: tact with the upper end of'the knuckle: of the companion coupler, said pin being further provided upon its rear face adjacent to its edge with a reinforcing rib' adapted to enter the recess of the hooked face of the knuckle of the companion coupler whereby such knuckle and pin are-locked together against lateral separation.

G. In a car coupler, acouplerhead provided at its out-er end-with a knuckle projecting forwardly heyond'thesame to enter the coupler head of a companion coupler, a gravity operated pin having a beveled face for co-action with the knuckle of the companion coupler, a head for the pin, said head having a substantially horizontal forwardly prqectmg 11p provided upon its top with a beveled face and also having a substantially horizontal flange at the side of the lip, said flange forming a socket in substantially the plane oi the lip for receiving the lip of the companion coupler.

7. In a car coupler, a hollow coupler head provided at its inner end with a transverse web, said web being concave in horizontal cross section and convex in vertical cross section, a draw-bar having its outer end for insertion within the inner end of the coupler head and having a race, said face being convex in horizontal cross section and convex in vertical cross section for eiiecting a rolling action with said web, a pin pivot-ally connecting the coupler head and draw-bar, the connection being such that the coupler head is adapted to partake of permanent unrestricted horizontal swinging movements within coupling limits with relation to the draw-bar and permit of vertical swinging n'iovements ot' the coupler head within coupling limits with relation to the draw bar which relative vertical swinging movements are permanently uin'estricted except tor the action of gravity, the horizontal swinging n'iovements being independent of the vertical swinging movements, said coupler head having means to positively restrict the swinging movement of the same beyond such coupling limits, the outer end of the coupler head being adapted for engagement with the outer end oi a companioi coupler head so that the two coupler heads may automatically adjust thei'nselves for coupling action, a knuckle secured to the outer end of the coupler head to enter the coupler head of a companion coupler, and a gravity operated pin carried by the coupler head for co-action with the knuckle of the companion coupler.

8. In a car c npler, a coupler head having a relatively large forward contacting end for engagement with the contacting end of the coupler head of a companion coupler, a draw-bar, pivotal. connecting means between the coupler head and draw-bar, the connecting means being such that the coupler head can partake of permanent unrestricted horizontal swinging movements within coupling limits with relation to the draw-bar and vertical swinging movements within coupling limits with relation to said draw-bar which are permanently unrestricted except for the action of gravity, the horizontal swinging movements being independent of the vertical swinging movements, said coupler head having means whereby its swinging movements l yond such limits are positively restricted, a relatively short knuckle carried by the outer end of the coupler head, said coupler head having arecess upon one side or its knuckle for receiving the knuckle of a companion coupler, the length of the knuckle being such that it will not be inserted suiiicient-ly within the companion coupler head prior to the completion of the coupling action to prevent the automatic adjustments of the coupler heads due to the contact between their forward ends, and a gravity operated pin carried by the coupler head and having a beveled part to engage with the knuckle of the companion coupler to be raised thereby, such knuckle being adapted to engage behind said pin.

9. in a car coupler, a support, a coupler head having a substantially straight forward contacting end for engagement with the contacting end. of a companion coupler, the contacting end being relatively large and having a greater horizontal dimension than vertical dimension, means pivotally connecting the coupler head with the support in a manher to permit of permanent unrestricted horizontal swinging movements of said coupler head within coupling limits with relation to the support and vertical swinging movements of said coupler head within coupling limits with relation to said support which are permanently unrestricted excepttor the action of gravity, the horizontal swinging movement being greater than the vertical swing' in movements and independent of the vertical swinging movements. said coupler head having means to positively limit the vertical and horizontal swinging movements beyond the coupling limits, a knuckle carried by the coupler head with a recess at one side thereof for the reception of a knuckle of the companion. coupler, and a gravity operated pin carried by the c0uplor head and having a beveled part to engage the knuckle of the companion coupler to be elevated thereby such knuckle being adapted to engage behind the pin.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature.

CHARLES H. GAGE. 

